Liverpool Defender's Career Derailed by Unintentional Punch on Manager
Former Liverpool star Joey Jones has disclosed that an accidental punch on legendary manager Bob Paisley played a pivotal role in ending his tenure at Anfield. The incident occurred during an FA Cup match against Chelsea in January 1978, marking a turning point in Jones's career with the Reds.
The Fateful FA Cup Clash
Jones, who joined Liverpool from Wrexham in 1975, was struggling for game time as Paisley favoured defenders like Alan Hansen and Tommy Smith. During the Chelsea match, he was substituted after a challenging performance, leading to a heated moment in the dugout. "I punched him, that's what I did," Jones recounted in an interview with LFC History. "It was accidental. I loved him like a father. It was a complete accident, but I didn't play for Liverpool after that!"
The defender described how, while agitated and sweaty, he struggled to put on a tracksuit thrown by Paisley. "As I was sitting there struggling then all of a sudden my hand went straight through the sleeve and I felt my fist hit somebody's flesh. As my head came through I could see the boss rubbing his face," he said. Jones remained uncertain whether it was the punch or his performance that sealed his fate, but he left the club the following season.
Transfer and Later Career
In 1978, Jones returned to Wrexham in a record-breaking £210,000 deal, a fee that stood as the club's highest for nearly five decades until 2022. He later played for Chelsea and Huddersfield Town before retiring at Wrexham in 1992. Jones, who earned 72 caps for Wales, passed away in July 2025 at age 70.
Additional Conflicts at Anfield
The punch was not the only incident that strained Jones's relationship with Paisley. He also recalled a brawl with teammate Ray Kennedy after accidentally stepping on his foot during shadow-boxing. "I hit him (Kennedy) twice and we end up in this brawl," Jones said. "I remember Bob Paisley saying, 'Both of you can leave the club.' Obviously he thought more of Ray than me because it was me who left." This further highlighted the tough managerial style of Paisley, who led Liverpool to numerous trophies including European Cups and league titles.
Jones's story sheds light on the intense pressures and unexpected moments that can define a footballer's career, underscoring how a single accident contributed to his departure from one of England's top clubs.
